Watering Restrictions

What Days Can I Irrigate?

Always water only when needed and not between 10am and 4pm

On April 26, 2010 the Sanford City Commission adopted the St.
Johns River Water Management District Landscape Irrigation Rule 40C-2 F.A.C. Under the rule. irrigation is allowed on one day a week during the winter months, and two days a week during the summer months.

The landscape irrigation ordinance applies to landscape irrigation regardless of whether the water comes from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump. The new mandatory landscape irrigation schedule for water is below.

On April 26, 2010 the Sanford City Commission adopted the St. Johns River Water Management District Landscape Irrigation Rule 40C-2 F.A.C. Under the rule. irrigation is allowed on one day a week during the winter months, and two days a week during the summer months. The landscape irrigation ordinance applies to landscape irrigation regardless of whether the water comes from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump. The new mandatory landscape irrigation schedule for water is below.

Season

Homes with ODD
numbers or no address

Homes with even number
address

Nonresidential
Properties

Summer Daylight
Savings Time

Wednesday & Saturday

Thursday & Sunday

Tuesday & Friday

Winter Eastern
Standard Time

Saturday

Sunday

Tuesday

Violation of these water restrictions may result in a fine or other enforcement action.

Reclaimed Water Customers:

In addition to Water Restrictions, the Sanford City Commission adopted new reclaimed water restrictions at its meeting on April 26, 2010. The City's reclaimed water system produces a limited amount of reclaimed water. The unrestricted use of reclaimed water for landscape irrigation by the City's reclaimed water customers has a detrimental impact on the City utility's ability to serve all of its customers, as well as compromising the reclaimed water system's operational, disposal, and storage abilities. The new mandatory landscape irrigation schedule for reclaimed water is below.

Effective Period

Properties with ODD number
or no address

Properties with EVEN number addresses

All Year

Monday, Wednesday & Saturday

Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday

Watering Your Florida Lawn

CALIBRATE YOUR SPRINKLER SYSTEM Use five or six cans or other all the same size all the same size.

For an in-ground sprinkler system, place containers randomly throughout one sprinkler zone. Repeat for each zone.

For a hose-end sprinkler, place containers evenly in a straight line from the sprinkler to the edge of the watering pattern.

Turn the water on and let it fill the cans for 15 minutes.

Pour all the water into one can, measure to the nearest 1/18th of an inch and divide by the number of cans

This shows how much is being applied in 15 minutes.

To determine the irrigation rate in inches per hour, multiply the average depth of water times four.

WATER ONLY WHEN NEEDED To develop deep, healthy root systems, plants should be watered only when the first signs of wilt occur. As the soil begins to dry out, the lawn will show a lack of moisture by lengthwise folding or rolling of blades. When the lawn shows signs of wilt, it is time to irrigate.

WET ONLY THE ROOT ZONE Approximately 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch of water will wet about one foot of Florida sand, which will reach most grass, shrub, and tree roots. By wetting only the root zone of plants, there is a dramatic saving in water, weeds are not encouraged to grow and plant growth is increased. Watering too deep, past the feeder roots will waste water. If not enough water is applied, shallow root systems will develop and the plant will be unhealthy.

WATER BEFORE 8 A.M.When careful observation indicates the lawn needs to be watered, irrigate early the next morning before 8 a.m., while it is still cool and not very windy. USE SEPARATE SYSTEMSShrubs and other plants require less water than turf. If possible, (especially if installing a new system) consider putting in one system for the lawn and a separate one for the shrubs and other plants. Rain sensors are required on all new irrigation systems.

SAVE WITH THE CITY OF SANFORD'S RECLAIMED WATER SERVICEThe City of Sanford's new reclaimed water service will help you save in three ways.

First - Reclaimed water will help save fresh water.

Second - Reclaimed water helps you save money. The consumption charge per 1,000 gallons is less than that of potable water.

Third - Reclaimed water's nutrients help you save the environment.

WATERING GUIDELINES FOR DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME

Landscape irrigation with potable or fresh water will switch to two days a week throughout for Sanford Utility customers when Daylight Savings Time begins. Lawns need more water during the spring and summer, and healthy landscapes can be maintained by watering two days per week.

The City’s watering restrictions help ensure the efficient use of water for landscape irrigation. The restrictions apply to water withdrawn from ground or surface water, from a private well or pump, or from a public or private water utility.

During Daylight Savings Time, the following schedule applies for potable and fresh water:

Wednesday & Saturday, homes with addresses that end in an odd number or have no address

Thursday & Sunday, homes with addresses that end in an even number

Tuesday & Friday, non-residential properties

Water only after 4 p.m. and before 10 a.m., and only when needed

Landscape irrigation returns to a one-day-a-week schedule when Daylight Savings Time ends.

Reclaimed Water irrigation schedule remains as follows:

Saturday, Monday and Wednesday, homes with addresses that end in an odd number or have no addresses

Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday, homes with addresses that end in an even number

Water only after 4 p.m. and before 10 a.m., and only when needed.

For more information contact:

CITY OF SANFORD
407.688.5100
www.sanfordfl.gov

ST. JOHNS RIVER WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
1.877.228.1658
www.sjrwmd.com